The Luxembourg Consumer Protection Association (ULC) strongly criticised the significant increase in waste collection fees announced by the intercommunal waste management syndicate SIDEC, describing the move as "totally disproportionate and unacceptable."

SIDEC, responsible for waste management in northern Luxembourg, recently notified thousands of residents of a considerable rise in waste collection charges, effective retroactively from 1 July.
 
In a statement released on Tuesday, ULC noted that SIDEC officials attributed the hike to rising energy prices and general inflation, impacting approximately 140,000 residents. The ULC highlighted a 60% increase in fees, deeming it "totally disproportionate and unacceptable."
 
Nico Hoffmann, President of the ULC, expressed strong disapproval: "The fact that people can profit from waste is not new, but SIDEC's price increase takes this phenomenon to a whole new level."
 
Hoffmann further criticised the increase as "profiteering, pure and simple," arguing that it lacks a "comprehensible and transparent price adjustment." He called for greater transparency from SIDEC, which has cited significant deficits for several months.
 
Hoffmann also pointed out that these financial figures are difficult to verify, noting that SIDEC's most recent annual report was published in 2021. According to Hoffmann, the report revealed a substantial increase in administrative expenses between 2017 and 2021.

ULC President calls for independent audit

The President of the ULC also criticised SIDEC for a "hidden" price increase. According to Hoffmann, SIDEC reduced the frequency of grey bin collections from weekly to every fortnight between 2020 and 2024 but charged the same fee during this period. Hoffmann has called on the intercommunal syndicate to provide a detailed and transparent explanation for the recent price hike.
 
Additionally, Hoffmann suggested that an independent auditing body be appointed to review SIDEC's rate structure. Should the audit indicate that a rate increase is justified, Hoffmann advocates for a gradual implementation of the new rates "over a reasonable period."
 
SIDEC will likely face significant public scrutiny as a result of these criticisms, particularly from the 140,000 residents impacted by the increase.